India has transitioned from a predominantly curative healthcare system to a preventive and promotive model, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said at the Foundation Day programme of the National Commission for Women (NCW), highlighting significant gains in maternal and child health outcomes.
The Health Minister said India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio has declined from 130 per lakh live births in 2014–15 to 88 per lakh live births, marking one of the fastest reductions globally. He attributed this progress to systemic healthcare reforms and sustained policy focus over the past decade.
Nadda noted that the National Health Policy, 2017 laid the groundwork for an integrated healthcare framework encompassing preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services. As part of its implementation, more than 1.81 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established nationwide, delivering primary healthcare services to over 1.4 billion people, with a strong emphasis on maternal and reproductive health.
He said maternal and child healthcare is being monitored continuously from conception until a child reaches 16 years of age, largely through the work of ASHA workers. Digital platforms have strengthened this effort, with over 2.5 crore pregnant women and an equal number of children tracked through the U-WIN system to ensure timely immunisation and health interventions.
Between 2016 and 2024, more than 7.5 crore antenatal check-ups were conducted, while institutional deliveries rose by 89 per cent over the last decade, reflecting improved access to safe childbirth services.
On preventive care, Nadda said large-scale screening initiatives have covered over 40 crore people for hypertension, resulting in 6.8 crore diagnoses, while diabetes screening of a similar scale has identified 4.6 crore cases. Cancer screening efforts have led to the detection of more than two lakh oral cancer cases, around 90,000 cervical cancer cases and nearly 75,800 breast cancer cases, facilitating early intervention.
Addressing mental healthcare, he highlighted the expansion of Tele-MANAS, a 24×7 mental health counselling service available in 20 languages, aimed at improving access and reducing stigma.
Nadda also referred to the Swastha Nari, Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyaan, which recorded participation from over 11 crore women and focused on large-scale screening for non-communicable diseases and other health conditions.
Nadda emphasised that women-centric governance would remain a core pillar of national policy, underlining the need for sustained reforms and effective implementation to improve health and social outcomes for women.
